Thousands of Shia Muslims on Sunday poured onto the streets in Kashmir, Lucknow, Bhopal and Hyderabad to protest the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, following reported strikes by the United States and Israel. Iranian media also reported the deaths of his daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter.
Khamenei was widely revered among Shia Muslims across the world, and news of his killing sparked mourning and demonstrations in several Indian cities.
In Kashmir, large crowds gathered in Srinagar as well as in Budgam and Bandipora districts. Protesters carrying red, black and yellow flags converged at Lal Chowk, some climbing the clock tower while holding Iranian flags and portraits of Khamenei. Many chanted slogans, sang eulogies and wept openly.
“We have become orphans today. Our beloved religious leader was killed by the tyrants of the time. He has become a martyr,” said Amir Hussain, who marched from Lal Bazar to the city centre. Another protester said the killing was “not just the loss of a community leader but the martyrdom of someone loved across much of the Muslim world”.
Security was tightened across Srinagar, with several roads closed as a precaution. Police said the protests remained peaceful and no untoward incidents were reported.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a security review meeting and urged communities to maintain peace. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also appealed for calm, expressing concern over developments in Iran.
In Ladakh, mourners dressed in black marched through Leh and Kargil, raising slogans against the United States and Israel.
In Uttar Pradesh, hundreds gathered in Lucknow’s old quarters, assembling near the historic Rumi Darwaza with black flags and portraits of Khamenei. Shia cleric Kalbe Jawwad announced three days of mourning and urged residents to hoist black flags and keep shops closed. A condolence meeting was also held at the Chota Imambara.
In Aligarh, demonstrators gathered near Aligarh Muslim University to protest the attack.
Police officials in Uttar Pradesh said all gatherings were peaceful.
In Hyderabad, a rally was taken out in the Purani Haveli area, with participants clad in black condemning the joint US-Israel strike. The protest was organised by Tanzeem-e-Jafferi, a Shia religious organisation, as demonstrators raised slogans against both countries.
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